This has, indeed, reached epic proportions, if it wasn’t already there. Can’t stop thinking about the buildup the week of the AFCCG, assuming Steelers and Patriots take care of business in the divisional round (no guarantee). An unprecedented amount of drama surrounding this team. Closest I can think of in sports might actually be the ‘78 Yankees.

If Beth’s idea of a scripted NFL is true, the AFCCG WILL feature the Steelers and the Patriots.

Seriously...what other teams would have the cachet to make the AFCCG an Event of Epic Proportions?

With the now added drama of James Harrison playing for his Arch Enemy?

That there is some showmanship. I’ll even wager they’ll let the AFCCG be the prime time matchup again, even though it’s the NFC’s turn.

_________________“Your ability to think concisely, your ability to make good judgments is much easier on Thursday night than during the heat of the game."

"That Super Bowl was not won yesterday. It was won in a small room in Philadelphia, two weeks ago."

From the perspective of depth at pass-rusher/OLB, it could end up being a mistake. From the perspective of potentially handing the Pats a pass-rusher they lacked, similar to how the Browns handed Haden over, (Harrison's effectiveness yet unknown) it could be a mistake.

But barring that (and related to this thread), I could see this team rallying around the "doom and gloom" of fans/media. The players' heads seem to be where they were at after the loss to Pats...it's one thing giving me cautious optimism. I can envision Watt and Dupree, and other guys on D, playing with a chip on their shoulders.